Zach Randolph, once the heart and soul of the Memphis Grizzlies and a fan favorite in the NBA, is now making headlines for something far removed from his days on the court.
The retired All-Star is reportedly under investigation for a domestic violence incident in the Los Angeles area — and the story is raising more questions than answers.
Alleged Incident Reported Months Later
According to a report from TMZ, a woman recently told authorities that Randolph physically assaulted her during an encounter that allegedly happened back in September 2024.
It’s not clear why she waited several months to come forward, but police say she provided photos that supposedly show injuries she attributes to Randolph.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is currently looking into the matter.
So far, no arrest has been made, and Randolph has not commented publicly.
Daily Mail noted that they reached out to both Randolph’s agent and local law enforcement for more information, but have yet to receive a response.
Legal Issues Not New for Randolph
While many NBA fans remember Randolph for his gritty, dependable play on the court, this isn’t the first time he’s had legal troubles.
His early career, especially during his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, was marked by off-court issues — including being cited for underage drinking and once being accused of punching a teammate. During that era, the team earned the not-so-flattering nickname “The Jail Blazers.”
In 2017, Randolph was arrested in Los Angeles again, this time on suspicion of marijuana possession with intent to sell.
His agent at the time strongly denied the accusations, calling them “false and misleading.”
However, the case ended with Randolph entering a no-contest plea and agreeing to complete 150 hours of community service.
From Underdog to Memphis Hero
Despite his rocky start, Randolph turned things around and carved out a legacy in Memphis.
Standing at 6-foot-9, he wasn’t the flashiest player, but he built his game on toughness, positioning, and effort.
He gave younger, more athletic players headaches with his old-school, below-the-rim style — especially when it came to offensive rebounding, where he led the league multiple times.
After bouncing between Portland, New York, and other teams, it was in Memphis where he truly found a home.
He played for the Grizzlies from 2009 to 2017 and was eventually inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame for his impact on and off the court.
Family Life and New Ventures
Randolph married his long-time partner Faune in 2014, and the couple had five children before divorcing in 2020.
One of their daughters, Mackenly, is now making her own name in basketball.
She was named a McDonald’s All-American in high school and just wrapped up her freshman year playing for the University of Louisville.
These days, Randolph has shifted his focus to media and commentary.
He co-hosts a podcast with fellow former Grizzlies player Tony Allen called Out The Mud, where they talk basketball, life, and their shared journey from tough beginnings to NBA success.
What’s Next for Randolph?
At the moment, it’s unclear how the investigation will unfold or what implications it might have for Randolph’s post-retirement life.
As police continue their inquiries, fans and former teammates are left watching closely, hoping for clarity and resolution.